relocating with a disabled child
Service Dogs 101: Common Questions From Disabled Individuals
Kristin Jimenez
Canines have been affectionately dubbed as man's best friend for a long time. However, if you have certain forms of diseases or disabilities, a dog can do far more for you than just offer constant companionship. From emotional disorders to poor vision, service dogs can help people who struggle with an array of problems. If you believe you could benefit from having a service dog of your own, you are bound to have a few questions. Take a quick look at these common questions about service dogs and the answers you will want to know.
What conditions will qualify you to obtain a licensed service dog?
It is a common misconception that there are only a few conditions that would qualify a person to have a service animal, but this simply is not the case. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes an array of different illnesses, diseases, and conditions where qualifying for a service animal is concerned. Some lesser-known examples of conditions that would qualify you as disabled for the purpose of getting a service dog include:
- depression
- autism
- speech problems
- seizures
- hearing impairment
- social phobia
- diabetes
In order to be recognized as disabled to get a service dog, you must have a documented problem that affects or limits how you live your day-to-day life.
Do you have to specifically obtain a service dog from a breeder or kennel?
You actually don't have to go out and get a service dog that is already trained and ready in order to register it as a service animal. You can claim a pet you already have as a service animal instead. Registration is an easy process in which you provide your personal information and the dog's information to get it registered.
How will people, business owners, etc. know the animal is service dog?
Once you have registered your dog, you will be given several pieces of information and identification that you should keep with you. Your dog will get an ID tag that clearly states it is a service animal. This tag should be worn by your dog anytime you are in public with your pet. You will also receive a certificate of registration that shows your and your dog's information in case someone needs further proof that your dog is a service animal. In most cases, identification on the dog, such as the tag, will suffice. However, if you plan to travel with your service dog, it is best to take along all supporting documentation of service dog certification.
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Moving to a new state has changed my family's lives in many ways. I have a disabled daughter that has many special needs and it was challenging to find all of the disability services that we had at our old home. I spent days online and on the telephone trying to track down the information that I needed to care for my daughter. If you are in a similar situation, keep reading. Here, you will find a list of resources that proved to be very helpful in making such a big transition with our daughter and the rest of the family.